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    Alter Ego

    4.5 (34 reviews)
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    Updated 2 months ago

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    Janet L.

    Went there for girlfriend time! Nice ambiance. I ordered the mushroom flatbread and thy used the nice mushrooms,not the white button mushrooms. Service was good, we had a great server. The only thing I wish is they have a little bigger menu.

    ALTER EGO in Long Beach, CA: Calamari was delicious! No cheese!
    Cece C.

    ALTER EGO wasn't even on my radar until tonight, and now I'm wondering how on earth did I miss this little slice of date‑night gold? HELLOW! This hidden gem lives inside the newly renovated Fairmont Breakers in Long Beach, and for all my Fairmont regulars: relax, you're in good hands, their world-renowned elegance remains intact. PARKING Valet is only $10, which in Southern California basically qualifies as a love language. (Note to Fairmont Breakers Management: Listen up, my friends! Please keep it that way, gas is $5.97/gallon and my wallet is already in therapy.) I handed the valet a $5 tip before I even stepped out of my car, just so I could glide into the lobby feeling like a full‑blown princess making her grand entrance. Before you leave, you simply pay the valet in cash or card and they'll have your car right there before you can even blink. AMBIANCE Walk in and boom! A towering, beautifully decorated Christmas tree greets you like it's auditioning for a holiday movie. Check out my photos; the whole lobby whispers one word: sophisticated. Oooh, I love that tree! Hang a right, stroll to the end of the hall, and you'll find ALTER EGO, a dark, cozy lounge that feels like the perfect hideaway for a date where you actually want to hear each other talk. Live music starts at 7 PM, the bar closes at 10, and honestly... that's ideal for those of us over 50 who consider 10 PM the witching hour for pajamas. Rob Fontana was performing tonight, and his music was so good I found myself time‑traveling back to the good old days. Every song hit, Rob. Good job! SERVICE Our server, Nia, was a star. Attentive, sharp memory, and smooth service all the way through. Zero notes. FOOD The menu is small, so if you show up ravenous, pace yourself or plan to Uber home after a cocktail‑heavy evening. I'm allergic to cheese, so I had to double‑check ingredients, but the Mushroom Flatbread was outstanding, flavor was superb and the best part was they did not skimp on the mushrooms! A+ for that. I also tried the Prosciutto di Parma with melon, which is a strange combo for a California girl... but hey, I never said I wasn't a weirdo. Drinks are not my thing since I enjoy company without alcohol's help, so I can't help you with that. DATE‑WORTHY OR NOT? Absolutely. Alter Ego gets a double thumbs‑up from me and a strong recommendation for your next Silver Singles date. It's easy to find, the seating is comfortable (even for those of us with backs that like to complain), and they even offer tube pillows for extra support. Tell me that's not romance.

    Chante' M.

    The ambience stole the show here this was such a great little hideaway. I love the live jazz that was playing on a Saturday evening. It was crowded, but I was able to sit easily lots of low conversations to match the lighting in a very upscale atmosphere.

    Karen G.

    This spot was recommended to us by our server Jessica over at the Sky Room, and I'm glad we checked it out! Located on the lobby level of the Fairmont Breakers Hotel, this cocktail bar gives off a semi-speakeasy feel. The lighting is dim and intimate, setting the tone for a romantic, elegant yet cozy vibe. They had live jazz playing when we visited, which added the perfect touch. The cocktails lean more on the classic craft side--I ordered an Old Fashioned and it was excellent. Bartender was fast, friendly, and on point. We didn't stay very long this time, but we'll definitely be back to hang out and soak in more of the atmosphere next round.

    Snacks
    Leslie M.

    5 Stars - Amazing Old Fashioneds and Outstanding Service at Alter Ego After being treated poorly by another restaurant in the same building, Alter Ego completely saved my night. From the moment I walked in, the staff were welcoming, professional, and genuinely kind -- a true example of what real hospitality should feel like. Their Old Fashioneds are phenomenal -- perfectly balanced, smooth, and crafted with care. You can tell the bartenders here take pride in what they do. Every cocktail I saw coming out of the bar looked stunning, but the Old Fashioned was easily one of top 10 I have had in California. What truly stood out was the atmosphere and the people. The bartenders and servers made me feel comfortable and respected, turning an uncomfortable situation into an evening I'll remember for all the right reasons. If you're looking for exceptional cocktails, great energy, and genuine hospitality, skip the place upstairs and go straight to Alter Ego. This bar sets the standard for high-class service and incredible drinks that are expected for the price.

    Beautiful late afternoon ambiance
    Steph H.

    STEPH JUDGEMENT: Beautiful ambiance, great drinks. This lounge-like first floor bar at The Breakers may not have spectacular views like Halo, their rooftop bar, but it has its own charms. Its darker, more subdued atmosphere could be a welcome break from the raucousness of the other bar, and more of a retreat than the bustle of the lobby bar. I had the Alter Ego Old fashioned, which came to me with a smoking glass with cover. The cover is then removed to release the aromatic smoke. The server then poured a small amount of the cocktail from a tiny carafe into the glass. It's all very ritualistic and impressive, but most importantly--delicious and not too sweet. I'll definitely be ordering that one again on my next visit.

    Espresso Martini
    Katya Z.

    We wanted espresso martinis after getting dinner in downtown & I remember this cute little bar being in the hotel the Fairmont Breakers. And myyyyy oh my was this the best decision. Are the drinks expensive? Yes, yes they are. But the alcohol is pretty premium & I was feeling pretty toasty after just one. The espresso martini was made to perfection - not overly sweet & not bitter either. We actually got it with tequila instead of vodka. The bartender was super sweet and personable. The ambience is so vibey. It's like a cool jazzy lounge - exactly how you'd imagine it to be in your mind. Velvet, beautiful wallpaper, bands at night. I will be back!

    Akisha E.

    Alter Ego may have just gained a regular! This place is truly a vibe. I'm a huge fan of speakeasies, and Alter Ego delivers that energy perfectly. Hidden inside the Fairmont Breakers Hotel, it has an old Hollywood glam feel -- dim lighting, chic aesthetics, and a touch of mystery. When we walked in, soft R&B music was playing in the background, which immediately set the mood. I ordered the crab and artichoke dip, but unfortunately, it missed the mark for me. It was dry and bland when I was expecting something creamy and flavorful. My husband, on the other hand, ordered a cocktail and absolutely loved it. The service was excellent. The bartender went above and beyond, checking in on us multiple times and making sure we had a great experience. Despite the dip being a letdown, the overall vibe, ambiance, and service won me over. I'll definitely be back -- next time, I'll just try a different appetizer!

    Drinks are gone - SO good!!

    I come here often and it's one of my favorite spots. The alter ego lounge is 5 stars!! The music, the ambience, and the food are all first class. Shoutout to the best bartender ever, Eddie! His drinks and customer service is always top notch. I recommend this place to anyone!

    Alter Ego old fashion
    Miss I.

    Loved the dark intimate space, total vibes! We only came for drinks and their live music. Service was excellent.

    Kim R.

    After our two previous stops at Fairmont Breakers (see 2 past reviews) we popped in here on our way out. The ambiance was dark and cool. Lounge-y, chill vibes. There was one guy playing live music. We just caught the last 25ish minutes before they closed but it seems like a nice place to hang.

    Maritza A.

    Came here on a Friday night, and the vibes were great. Live music was playing and we were able to snag a table, a waitress helped us very quickly. I ordered the Espresso martini, my first and it was a 12/10. The fries were skinny and the side of aïoli sauce was very creamy and delicious. The crab and artichoke dip was a little too fishy for me, after the second bite that flavor went away but I would pass on it (especially for $24.) overall experience was great and I will be back for sure.

    Crab and artichoke dip
    Dominic D.

    Stopped by Alter Ego with my girl to wind down the night, and this spot definitely delivered on service and atmosphere. The vibe is moody and intimate... low lighting, great music, and that perfect "grown up lounge" feel that makes you want to stay for one more round. The drinks were the highlight of the night. I started with a Dirty Martini and followed it up with a Chocolate Martini both strong, smooth, and well balanced. My girl had a French 75 and the Naked & Sunburnt, which were also delicious and boozy in the best way. We ordered a couple of light bites the Parmesan Truffle Fries and the Crab & Artichoke Dip....but honestly, both missed the mark for us. Nothing terrible, just not on the same level as their cocktails. Pro tip: come here for the drinks, ambiance, and live music nights they nail that part. Skip the food, grab a seat at the bar or a cozy corner, and just enjoy the vibes.

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    23 days ago

    Always good vibes at this place, it doesn't feel like a typical hotel bar, the drinks were excellent and the music was good too.

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    Relaxed elegance with Italian wines and jazz (on weekends). The ambiance is upscale but approachable.

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    Ask the Community - Alter Ego

    What nights is jazz music?

    Live jazz and rotating entertainment set the rhythm from Thursday through Saturday

    Is there live music on the weekends?

    Yes

    Is this a 21+ establishment?

    Yes, it is.

    How to make reservations?

    You can try call ahead of time, but I don't think they take reservations. I'd recommend showing up by 6:30pm and take a seat. The music starts at 7pm

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Alter Ego

    A great lounge on the ground floor of the Fairmont Breakers with live music and decent drinks.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Alter Ego - bars - Updated August 2026

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